Acupressure Points- little "big" helpers for daily life

As I am currently in the middle of my studies to becoming a Certified Massage Therapist (Acupressureist), I wanted to share some common Acupressure Points that I use regularly to support my journey through life, and that have been used since ancien times to relief common complaints both on the physical and mental level.

Acupressure is a technic where pressure is applied to certain points that are located along the body's energy pathways or Meridians, thereby balancing the energy throughout our body, which in turn affects  not only our physical, but also our mental well-being and energy level.

The term "pressure" can be misleading, making us think, we need to press hard into the points to get results, but this is absolutely not the case: it is not the amount of pressure applied that is important, but the location of the point. Hence, one can use one's fingertips to apply gentle pressure and connect with the body's energy pathways. Of course, sometimes we want firm pressure especially if we are sore or stiff (for example, in the neck, shoulder and back region), and we can adjust the pressure to our own liking and preference. I just want to point out that firm pressure does not make for "better results" here.

So, now that you know a little about how Acupressure works and how it can be applied to ourselves, Iet me give you a little collection of points that I have found to be very helpful-

I have used the following webpage for point location and explanation: www.acupressure.com 

Stress, Anxiety: 

The Inner Gate Point (P 6)

P 6 called the Inner Gate is located three finger widths up from the center of your wrist crease in between your bones and tendon cords. This acupressure point balances your feelings, perceptions, and inner awareness; it also balances and calms your internal condition.

Sea of Tranquility (CV 17)

CV 17 is on the center of your breastbone, in the indentations or dips of the sternum bone. This acupressure point called the Sea of Tranquility has an immediate calming effect when you’re in anxious, nervous, in emotional distress, under pressure or some kind of stress. I suggest ending your acupressure routines with this calming point as a final balancing step and hold this point with deep breathing whenever you begin to feel anxious or nervous.

Insomnia, Trouble Sleeping:

Insomnia sleep disorder Acupressure Points K 6, B 62

The Acupressure Points (K 6 and B 62) between your heel and anklebones (on both sides) have traditionally been used to relieve and prevent insomnia. The acupressure point on the inside of the heel below your inner anklebone is called Joyful Sleep. Can you guess what to do to obtain joyful sleep? Just hold this ankle acupressure point while taking deep breaths for a few minutes before you go to bed.

The Acupressure points on the outside of your heel, below your outer anklebone are calledCalm Sleep. Pressing these ankle points together by placing your thumb on one side and your fingertips on the other side of your ankle, can relieve pain from the waist down, and enable your body to relax deeply for a good night’s sleep. This acupressure technique and the following tips are easy to teach your child.

Stress Relief, Chronic Shouler- and Neck Tension:

Acupressure Points for shoulder and neck problems

Chronic Shoulder & Neck Tensions from common stress conditions cause circulation and neuro-muscular problems. I’ve found the following acupressure points extremely effective for relieving stress and urge you to use Stress Relief, which guides in detail to release these three points:

GB 21 is on the top of the shoulders, two finger widths out from the outside base of your neck. This stress relief acupressure point is where you have the most tension in your trapezius muscles. I find it easiest to use my opposite hand to press this point. First feel for the tension on the top of your shoulders by firmly rubbing to feel for the tightest spot. Then curve your fingers to hook the weight of your arm into this stress relief point.

Special Neck Pain Points: B 10, Gv 16, GB 20

B 10 is on the back of your neck, just one thumb width down from you skull, and one thumb width out from the center of your spine on your upper neck. This acupressure point is good for hormonal balance, since it benefits the thyroid gland. Use firm, prolonged pressure on B 10.Stress Relief provides step-by-step guidance.

GB 20 is located in the hollows underneath the base of your skull, about 3 to 4 inches apart, depending on the size of your body. This great acupressure point further releases shoulder pain, neck stiffness, and tension headaches.

These acupressure points should be held for 2 to 3 minutes with firm finger pressure several times throughout the day and night. This can release your chronic and acute tensions in the shoulder and neck region of your body.

I have used the following webpage for point location and explanation: www.acupressure.com